Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The review by the Secretary General of the Department has not yet commenced. I would be happy to convey to those involved in the review any views Deputies may have in regard to the Passport Office. Deputies Lynch and Timmins raised certain points.

I am delighted the Passport Office in Cork is working so well as stated by Deputy Lynch. That strengthens my case for an office in the west and possibly one in the North. The office in Cork has shown how well the service works on a regional basis. I am not forgetting the points made by Deputy Timmins in regard to Dublin and Shannon Airports.

I thank Deputies who have contributed to the debate today and on other Stages in the House. There is a great deal of consensus in regard to the Bill. I thank my staff in the Department and passport office staff throughout the country. I acknowledge the constructive approach taken by Deputies. The Government has accepted a number of amendments which serve to improve the Bill. I look forward to discussing the Bill with Members of the Seanad in the coming weeks.

The Bill sets out a comprehensive statutory basis for the issuance and regulation of passports. It is the first specific legislation on passports and will replace the previous general power to issue passports under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924.

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